Mary Lucille Richardson

Born on December 12, 1929, in Chicago, Il, she is preceded in death by her parents, Mary Lucille (Henry) and Fred August Hertwig, her sister Diane McGowan and her husband Robert Tracy Richardson (Bob).

Survivors include her sister, Carol O’Brien, Chicago, Il, her four daughters, Tracy Frazier (Keith Frazier) of Nashville, TN, Laura Miller (Mark Miller) of Ridgewood, NJ, Mary Blanton (Jay Blanton) of Charlottesville, VA, and Suzanne Johnson (Mark Johnson) of New York City, NY, seven grandchildren, a grandson-in-law, nieces, and nephews, and their families.

Mary Lu was easy to love and an inspiration to everyone in her life. A caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, colleague, and friend, she was beloved by all for her wonderful wit and love of laughter, and it was her stories, clever observations, thoughtful guidance, and can-do attitude that created a vast circle of close relationships she sustained and grew throughout her life. She deeply cherished her group of friends, her relationship with her family and extended family.

With her rare ability to listen with focused interest and speak with focused care, often with humor, Mary Lu made everyone feel at ease, understood, and better about themselves.

The oldest daughter of both German and Irish American parents, Mary Lu had a storybook childhood. She spent her youth living with her family at the famous Georgian Hotel in the idyllic town of Evanston, IL where her father was General Manager. They enjoyed their summers in Nippersink, WI, a place she described as “magical”. Mary Lu attended St. Mary’s School and Marywood Academy, where, due to her popularity and leadership, she was elected President of her Senior Class and awarded “Senior of the Year”.

In 1951, she graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Philosophy and History with a focus on Speech and began her career at CBS Studios in Chicago and later J. Walter Thompson Advertising in the Radio/Television department. In 1953 she joined Leo Burnett Advertising /Chicago and helped administrate the newly established Screen Actors Guild/SAG.

With a zest for life and a curiosity about the world around her, Mary Lu traveled domestically and abroad sharing great adventures with friends throughout the 1950s. In 1956, Mary Lu was promoted to Leo Burnett’s New York office to work in casting for her colleague and friend, Bob Richardson, whom she later married in 1960.

A passionate New Yorker and career woman, she enjoyed their NYC life but once having her first born with another baby girl on the way, Mary Lu and Bob moved to Upper Brookville on Long Island where they raised their four daughters including a set of twins until 1976.

Mary Lu and Bob moved to Nashville, TN in 1976 and made a home for their daughters in Belle Meade. Down the street from her daughters’ high school, St. Cecilia Academy, Mary Lu joined Westminster School shortly after arriving in Nashville. Westminster School later relocated to Williamson County and became Currey Ingram Academy. During her 27 years there, she was dedicated to the school’s success and growth as Business Manager, Director of Alumni, and Secretary for the school committee that searched and acquired the land that is the campus of Currey Ingram today.

Mary Lu made an indelible impact on Currey Ingram helping to make it one of the nation’s finest schools in its area of expertise. She wrote “The Story of Westminster School, 1968-1998” which documents the first 30 years. Loved by everyone she worked with and in recognition for her immeasurable contributions during her career, The Mary Lu Richardson Music Room was named to commemorate her commitment and hard work, and above all, the joy and laughter she brought to the Currey Ingram community.

Mary Lu placed her greatest attention and love on her four daughters all of whom she had a close and loving relationship throughout their lives - a testament to her commitment to family and her ability to love abundantly, fairly, and fully.

The family offers its sincere gratitude to the numerous friends, family and caretakers who cared so deeply for Mary Lu, especially in her final years. Most especially the Frazier family. We also thank the staff of The Blakeford whose care, patience and compassion will never be forgotten.

A visitation will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. followed by Mass at The Cathedral of the Incarnation on Friday, May 12th at 10 a.m., 2015 West End Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in memory of Mary Lu to Currey Ingram Academy online at Currey Ingram’s website or by mailing the gift to Currey Ingram Academy, 6544 Murray Lane, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Richardson family.